HELP!!! My computer won't turn on!!

Kevlar · Dec 3, 2010

Ok. I ruled out the on/off switch, that isn't it. I jumped the 2 pins like was suggested and the fan on the CPU moved maybe an inch and that was it. I noticed it did that every now and then when I had the on/switch wired into the mobo as well.

Man, I hope it's not the motherboard. :cryyy:

BShanahan14rulz said:
Any capacitors whose tops are puffed out, bottoms are popped out, or are tilting by themselves? Or any gunk leaking from them?
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ak3fwBcCv...AABIg/cDfu8YsjY2I/s400/Blown+Caps_online2.jpg
http://www.computer-supply-guide.com/pics/blown-caps.jpg

Edit: definitely try some of the troubleshooting steps listed above, such as simplifying the system as much as possible, etc.

So I'm going to check out the components on the mobo, see if there are any signs of bad ones.

I'll also do what others are suggesting and pull everything I can and start some testing.

Maybe Santa will bring me a new computer!! :san:

anselm · Dec 3, 2010

Kevlar said:
Man, I hope it's not the motherboard. :cryyy:

How old is it? Maybe it's time for an upgrade anyway.

Did you try removing everything from it, then adding one piece at a time,
see if any combinations powers on OK?

Kevlar · Dec 4, 2010

anselm said:
How old is it? Maybe it's time for an upgrade anyway.

Did you try removing everything from it, then adding one piece at a time,
see if any combinations powers on OK?

As far as computers go this one is fairly old, about 8 years. But I'm not giving up yet, I'm going to try what you've suggested.

goninanbl00d · Dec 4, 2010

Kevlar said:
Ok. I ruled out the on/off switch, that isn't it. I jumped the 2 pins like was suggested and the fan on the CPU moved maybe an inch and that was it. I noticed it did that every now and then when I had the on/switch wired into the mobo as well.

Man, I hope it's not the motherboard. :cryyy:

So I'm going to check out the components on the mobo, see if there are any signs of bad ones.

I'll also do what others are suggesting and pull everything I can and start some testing.

Maybe Santa will bring me a new computer!! :san:

At this stage, it could be anything. What it sounds like is that there's a dead short somewhere, and the PSU's protection circuitry is kicking in, hence why power is only recieved momentarily.

Take the motherboard out of the case, and place it on a flat surface. Do NOT place it on an ESD bag or ESD foam, as they are both conductive.

Leave in ONLY the CPU, and 1 stick of RAM. Use the onboard graphics, too. Plug in a keyboard, monitor, and the PSU, and test it.

If it doesn't work, then it's a motherboard issue.

If it does work, then start trying all the other components until you get to the component which causes the system to not start.

Kevlar · Dec 4, 2010

goninanbl00d said:
At this stage, it could be anything. What it sounds like is that there's a dead short somewhere, and the PSU's protection circuitry is kicking in, hence why power is only recieved momentarily.

Take the motherboard out of the case, and place it on a flat surface. Do NOT place it on an ESD bag or ESD foam, as they are both conductive.

Leave in ONLY the CPU, and 1 stick of RAM. Use the onboard graphics, too. Plug in a keyboard, monitor, and the PSU, and test it.

If it doesn't work, then it's a motherboard issue.

If it does work, then start trying all the other components until you get to the component which causes the system to not start.

As far as ESD, I only use a wrist band.

Everything you suggested here will be my next step. Thanks all for the guidance on this!! :beer:

At least I can return the PSU I bought from newegg and get some cash back.

SpyderFire · Dec 4, 2010

goninanbl00d said:
At this stage, it could be anything. What it sounds like is that there's a dead short somewhere, and the PSU's protection circuitry is kicking in, hence why power is only recieved momentarily.

Take the motherboard out of the case, and place it on a flat surface. Do NOT place it on an ESD bag or ESD foam, as they are both conductive.

Leave in ONLY the CPU, and 1 stick of RAM. Use the onboard graphics, too. Plug in a keyboard, monitor, and the PSU, and test it.

If it doesn't work, then it's a motherboard issue.

If it does work, then start trying all the other components until you get to the component which causes the system to not start.

Yes you should do as that smart person from post #13 stated

goninanbl00d · Dec 4, 2010

SpyderFire said:
Yes you should do as that smart person from post #13 stated

Barebones bench testing should only be done when all other (obvious) options have been eliminated.

By ripping into the system as soon as something happens, you run the risk of causing more problems, without identifying what the issue initially was.

Ignis Fatuus · Dec 4, 2010

Life span of a typical PC is 5-7 years, so you got your monies worth. If all else fails, buy a new MoBo. It should be cheap for an older unit like that, if you can find one. Look up your local PC repair shops too, they have tons of stuff that might work for you.

Kevlar · Dec 4, 2010

Ignis Fatuus said:
Life span of a typical PC is 5-7 years, so you got your monies worth. If all else fails, buy a new MoBo. It should be cheap for an older unit like that, if you can find one. Look up your local PC repair shops too, they have tons of stuff that might work for you.

I got my monies worth all right. My Mom's husband actually gave that computer to me when it was only a couple years old!!

I would love a new computer, and it's definitely time, but I'm going to bench test it today. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll just be a bad stick of RAM or something, I doubt it though.

I will look for a replacement mobo and go from there.

EDIT: I really appreciate everyone helping me out here with this. I +rep everyone for their assistance except Ignis, it tells me I have to "spread some around", I'll have to get ya back later. :wave:

anselm · Dec 4, 2010

Kevlar said:
... Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll just be a bad stick of RAM or something, I doubt it though.

Nah, those usually let you power up OK but then randomly freeze your
computer when they're bad.
In any case, you can test your ram sticks with "memtest86".

Ignis Fatuus · Dec 4, 2010

I dont need any points Kevin. Thanks for the thought though.

Kevlar · Dec 4, 2010

Ignis Fatuus said:
I dont need any points Kevin. Thanks for the thought though.

I know you could care less about the points but it's just my way of showing appreciation.

IMO, people don't do it enough on this forum. If someone provides you good advice, opinions, or guidance, one should rep for it.

Besides, I think that -rep from MM was completely unwarranted. :beer:

Benm · Dec 4, 2010

Mainboard problems can be the darnest things to find really. You should probably check the cpu fan too, just spin it a bit by hand when you press the power button. I've seen systems not starting because the fan was stuck (due to wear mostly), and they gave no indication of what the problem was.

You can also try to 'jumpstart' the system by connecting the power-good line to a +5 output of the psu, and then pressing the power button. It would be best to check if there is a problem with it first though: Try powering up the psu without a load as desribed, and measure the power good output.

Sometimes it helps to have a bit of a load as some psu's don't run well without them. I'd suggest an old (i.e. no longer important) harddrive or something similar.

Kevlar · Dec 4, 2010

Thanks Benm, I'll try these as well. :beer:

anselm · Dec 4, 2010

In the end you'll just have to get a "new" (2-3 years old max) computer, though.
You'll be much happier too.

EIGHT years, come on. Surprised it even made it that long.

Benm · Dec 4, 2010

I'm not surprised that a computer would last this long. Most systems are replaced sooner, but i've seen plenty of such machines in corporate and university environments running for 10, 15 years or even more.

The oldest ones i've worked with were at university: The simply came with some analytical device, and those things are expensive investments. Obviously it is possible to replace those computers, but there really is no need as they do what they are supposed to for the measurements, and as long as you can take the data off them and work with that on a newer system, replacement makes no sense.

A popular upgrade is installing USB cards in old 386 systems, since there is nothing around anymore that reads the floppies they came with.

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